Page 26 - Jackpot Magazine South ~ August, 2022

Casino Hopper makes visiting casinos easy
By Lori Beth Susman
GULF COAST — Let’s go hopping — casino hopping, that is. Coast Transit Authority’s Casino Hopper is the perfect way to get around to your favorite casino in Biloxi.
“We came here on a charter flight,” said Amanda P., who along with her husband were waiting at the Casino Hopper bus stop between Beau Rivage and Hard Rock on Beach Blvd. “We don’t have a car to get around so we ride
the bus.”
Also at the covered
bus stop were Floridians
Anna A. and Helen C.
The two friends drove
to the Gulf Coast for
a quick getaway. After
parking at the casino
hotel where they are
staying, they opted to
take the bus to the next
casino saying it takes
more effort and time to
get the car, drive, find a
then do it all again as it does to catch the bus. “Plus, we save on gas money,” Anna said.
The Casino Hopper bus is an easy way to get around. Casino have clearly marked bus stops at entrances and the bus
schedule is often listed right at the stop. Bus drivers are quick to answer questions, as well.
As we rode the bus, we learned it runs seven days a week, stopping at the casinos every 25 min- utes. Each ride is $1.50 a person, but there are daily unlimited passes and even three-day unlimited pass- es, which are perfect for
those spend-
ing several
days in Biloxi.
The spa-
cious buses
are clean and
have air con-
ditioning, and
the drivers are very willing to help. You can catch the bus as early as 5:30 a.m. and con- tinue riding until 9:23 p.m. Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, the Casino Hopper
runs from 8:30 a.m. until 7:08 p.m. Amanda and her husband got off the bus at Harrah’s Gulf Coast, while Anna and Helen were continuing to IP Casino Resort Spa. We got off at Golden Nugget, where we ran into other riders who knew when the bus would return. How did they
know that, we wondered.
“We come here often and always ride
the bus,” they laughed, adding they stay
parking spot and
at Golden Nugget so it is where they are most familiar with the schedule.
We took their advice and at the appointed time got back on the bus and went to Palace Casino Resort. We checked the schedule to make sure we had time to enjoy lunch and play a few slot machines before we needed to get back. The drivers follow their schedules closely, and even road construction and detours did not slow them down. After a full day of casino hopping, the bus brought us back to where we started so we could rest up for another day of fun.
While the Casino Hopper makes the loop to most of the Biloxi resorts, with a stop at the Biloxi Transit Center, which is on the Hopper route, and a quick bus switch, riders can get to Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort in D’Iberville, go west to Treasure Bay in Biloxi and even get to Gulfport to visit The View Casino Resorts. A CTA Riders’ Guide showing all routes is available at the transit center.
The Casino Hopper buses are clean, spacious and, best of all in this summer heat, air conditioned — making it the perfect way to stay cool while getting around.
Riders waiting for the bus to pull up at a Beach Blvd. stop. The Casino Hopper runs daily and takes riders from one casino to the next. Change buses at the Biloxi Transit Center to get to casinos in Gulfport and D’Iberville.
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JACKPOT! MAGAZINE • August 2022
THE SOUTH’S LARGEST GUIDE TO GAMING & FUN • www.jackpotmagazine.com